Not a slant, but... My daughter wants an old truck and she found a 1986 Ram 150 (V8, doesn't say cc's) for $1000 on Craigslist (ad here). Anyone know of particular things to look for if I go check it out (emissions problems, hidden areas prone to rust, ill-advised modifications, etc)? This would be my first pickup; so far my old-car experience is exclusively on a 1974 Dart. My main goal is drivability. Quoting the ad:

Quote:

runs good motor rebuilt 30,000 miles ago, transmission new seals, new battery automatic, tool boxTHIS TRUCK RUNS GREAT< FRONT END TIGHT,GOES STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD< TAKE HANDS OFF WHEEL< Eligible for Historic plates

The D series trucks can be great trucks.As with any 30 year old vehicle.Look close for rust through on expensive to fix areas like frame rails.Although they can be replaced, check brake and fuel lines, bed wheel arches, cab corners.Know that these trucks are not easy on gas and your daughter will not have anti lock brakes or air bags.You will want good tires and I would plan on going through the brakes and front wheel bearings as a minimum

Author:

THOR [ Mon Jan 28, 2019 12:36 pm ]

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Re: 1986 V-8 Ram 150: what to look out for

I'll second DadTruck.

In addition, the most common rust areas on those that I have seen are the lower rear cab corners. Fortunately, parts are pretty easy to come by for these because Chrysler used the platform for so long. Being an 86, I'm fairly certain it still has the lean-burn system assuming no one has already replaced it. Retro-fitting that to the earlier 5 pin module with distributor, and putting on a normal 2 barrel (or 4 barrel, if equipped) will help keep it running in the long term.

~THOR~

Author:

Charrlie_S [ Mon Jan 28, 2019 3:52 pm ]

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Re: 1986 V-8 Ram 150: what to look out for

Check the roof area over the windshield, and rain gutters for rust. Common here in Florida for that, and leaking water into the cab.

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Badvert65 [ Tue Jan 29, 2019 11:14 am ]

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Re: 1986 V-8 Ram 150: what to look out for

I have had a few of those, including 4X4 Rams. Transmissions can be troublesome, do test drive it and make certain it goes into every gear. Look for rusted brake lines and fuel lines. Make certain the windows go up and down smoothly (they are prone to being 'sticky'). Check that the wipers work (easy fix if they don't, but may help with bargaining).86 would be carbureted, but not really 'lean burn', there is a computer behind the battery, in the front fender. They are pretty reliable trucks. Keep in mind that they are Mopars, but the later truck bolt pattern is 5 x5.5", so car rims will not fit.-Matt

Author:

rich006 [ Wed Feb 06, 2019 4:52 pm ]

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Re: 1986 V-8 Ram 150: what to look out for

I looked at the truck but it was too far gone to be a good project for me. Here are some pics. All of these things could be fixed but I don't want to put that much work into this project.

Tailgate hinge socket rusted out:

This hole goes all the way to daylight through the rusted rocker panel:

Upper control arm would need replacing for sure:

Author:

DadTruck [ Wed Feb 06, 2019 5:18 pm ]

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Re: 1986 V-8 Ram 150: what to look out for

agree, keep looking, maybe next time....

Author:

THOR [ Thu Feb 07, 2019 10:39 am ]

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Re: 1986 V-8 Ram 150: what to look out for

Holy cow... that upper A arm is impressive.

You made a smart decision looking elsewhere.

~THOR~

Author:

rich006 [ Thu Feb 07, 2019 11:31 am ]

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Re: 1986 V-8 Ram 150: what to look out for

THOR wrote:

Holy cow... that upper A arm is impressive.

The funny thing is how proud the seller is about his front end alignment. "FRONT END TIGHT, GOES STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD, TAKE HANDS OFF WHEEL"

Author:

rich006 [ Tue Feb 19, 2019 7:48 am ]

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Re: 1986 V-8 Ram 150: what to look out for

There's a 1970 D100 for sale (318 motor). The seller says it has only one spot of rust, in the cab mount. He says it could be patched with a flat piece of metal. Your thoughts? Any other common trouble spots on a sweptline truck?

Here's the pic for fun.

Author:

and739 [ Tue Feb 19, 2019 9:21 am ]

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Re: 1986 V-8 Ram 150: what to look out for

Hey, I think that same guy has a shop around here, too!

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DadTruck [ Tue Feb 19, 2019 10:04 am ]

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Re: 1986 V-8 Ram 150: what to look out for

Quote:

1970 D100

use the list you had previously from the D series and add

1) wiring,, will have many of the same faults that the A bodies have: weak charging system, full voltage through firewall to ampmeter,,,nothing that can't be fixed,,

2) guessing that it will be drum brakes all around,, not the best for stopping but likely up-gradeable

Author:

coconuteater64 [ Sat Mar 09, 2019 6:36 pm ]

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Re: 1986 V-8 Ram 150: what to look out for

Just know that even when new they require a similar stopping distance to an aircraft carrier.

Author:

slantzilla [ Sat Mar 09, 2019 7:07 pm ]

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Re: 1986 V-8 Ram 150: what to look out for

Make sure to look at the floorboards. Most of those I've seen had the floor rusted away from the cab right next to your feet.

Also, since it's a straight axle front, if there is any play at all it will be like trying to steer a bottle rocket with the stick cut off.

Author:

ianmcc [ Sat Mar 09, 2019 7:58 pm ]

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Re: 1986 V-8 Ram 150: what to look out for

I am not a truck guy but that's a great looking truck! Would totally rock it!What is the ask?